TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 4, 2026
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Issue purchase order and enter into a co-funding agreement with the Water Research Foundation for the Research Priority Program Project #5362 “Quantifying Point Source Mitigation-Ready Methane Emissions at Water Resource Recovery Facilities” in an amount not to exceed $140,000.00, Account 101-16000-612490, Requisition 1658600
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to enter into a co-funding agreement with the Water Research Foundation (WRF) for a project to mitigate methane emissions in an amount not to exceed $140,000.00. The study will focus on detecting point source biogas leaks and mitigating these emission sources. The total estimated project cost is $1,178,773.00, including monetary and in-kind support from over 20 contributing entities. The District’s monetary contribution is $140,000.00 and WRF’s monetary contribution, as the funding agency, is $225,000.00. The District’s in-kind support is an estimated at $90,000.00.
The goal of this project is to contribute to the development of a framework for Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs within the wastewater sector. The project will focus on developing guidance for detection technologies, inspection frequencies and protocols, repair methodologies, documentation practices, and integration with existing operations and maintenance programs. The LDAR process is a systematic, periodic, and intentional inspection of facilities and equipment for leaks, followed by subsequent repairs. This effort is being conducted on a not-for-profit basis to further research aimed at identifying, quantifying, and mitigating methane emissions at water resource recovery facilities, with the goal of reducing fugitive emissions and the associated carbon footprint.
This research project will collect data from (Denver) Metro Water Recovery, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCW), along with three Metropolitan Water Reclamation Plants: John E. Egan, Calumet, and Hanover Park. The project will also utilize data previously collected from the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, South Platte Renew and King County. The study is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2026 and conclude in 2028.
This project is part of WRF’s Priority Research Program. Projects are submitted through a request for proposal process and was competitively reviewed and selected for funding by a Research Advisory Council comprised of subject matter experts from a variety of institutions and organizations. The selected proposal, led by Brown and Caldwell, includes an extensive project team consisting of utility participants, universities, federal laboratories, equipment manufacturers, and consultants. Of the four proposals reviewed by the District, the proposal submitted by Brown and Caldwell represented the strongest overall approach, determined to be technically credible, and aligns with the District’s research objectives.
The WRF is not registered to do business in the State of Illinois but has submitted a certificate of good standing from the State of Colorado. The Director of Monitoring and Research has approved moving forward with this vendor.
The Multi-Project Labor Agreement (MPLA) is not applicable, as the classification of work does not fall under its provisions.
Therefore, it is respectfully requested that the Director of Procurement and Materials Management be authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into a co-funding agreement with WRF, in an amount not to exceed $140,000.00.
Funds for the 2026 expenditure are available in Account 101-16000-612490.
Requested, Edward W. Podczerwinski, Director of Monitoring and Research, EWP:JSG:RA:mb
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Precious Brady-Davis, Chairperson Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for June 4, 2026